After evaluating the performance characteristics of lenses mounted on full-frame models such as Nikon D800 and D600, as well as the Canon EOS 5D Mk III, we’ve now had the opportunity to analyze a range of lenses on the Sony SLT-A99. In this concise report, we’ll see how well the combination of Sony’s high-end image sensor and the latest Alpha mount lenses perform.

Sony SLT Alpha 99 and its lens: A mount lens database overview

With the introduction of SLT models featuring the novel ‘translucent’ mirror technology, Sony were the first to break with the traditional reflex mirror and optical pentaprism found in rival SLR systems. As well as adopting an electronic viewfinder, the novel system utilizes a semi-transparent mirror (or “Translucent” mirror, as Sony calls it), which remains in the lens’ light path. Fixed “pellicle’ mirrors aren’t new of course, the partially silvered mirror allows for conventional viewfinder based phase-detection AF and metering systems to be retained.

In fact, this system allows for full-time continuous phase-detection AF (PDAF) during live view and video capture. As successor to the A900 DSLR, the SLT-A99 stands-out as the first full-frame model from the firm to move to an electronic viewfinder and the first to supplement the viewfinder AF system with a second 102-point PDAF-assist sensor array overlaying the 24.3-MPix CMOS sensor. As well as the option to capture 14-bit RAW files, the camera also adopts what the firm describes as ‘newly developed multi-segment OLPF’ designed to enhance the sensor’s resolving power.

As promising as all this sounds, the sensor is only a part of the imaging chain and the image quality will inevitably vary across different lens models. The aim of this concise guide is to assist the reader in choosing the most appropriate lens for the camera based on optical performance, while being mindful of the price. We’ve tested the Alpha 99 with 22 different A-mount lens models (primes as well as zooms) with a range of focal lengths encompassing 16mm to 500mm, including Sony made lenses and those from third parties. Listed below are some of the lenses we’ve analyzed. We’ve performance data on some of the latest models but we’ve also included information from a few of the older Konica Minolta lenses that can be found used at competitive prices:

Further readings for the Best lenses for your Sony SLT Alpha 99: 22 wide-angle, standard and telephoto models analyzed!

To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.

Following our recommendations for the flagship Sony SLT-A99, we’ve had the opportunity to assess the firm’s semi-professional 24-Mpix DT (APS-C) format model - the SLT-A77 - with a sizeable collection of Sony and third-party prime and zoom models to assess image quality. Read onto find out which of these models perform best when paired with the camera.

Following on from our series of selecting the best lenses for the Nikon D800 with its potential for massively detailed images from the 36Mpix sensor, we’ve now turned our attention to that camera’s younger sibling, the 24Mpix D600.

The second in our series of selecting the best-quality lenses for your camera concentrates on one of the most highly-anticipated cameras of our time, the successor to the hugely popular EOS 5D Mark II. But by the time it was announced, in early March, it’s probably fair to say Nikon had taken fair amount of interest away by announcing the 36M-Pix D800 and D800E models the month before. Be that as it may, there’s no denying the 22.3 M-Pix EOS 5D Mark III is a remarkably capable camera, and a formidable rival to the Nikon.

Announced in 2012, the Nikon D800 is the current undisputed king of DxOMark, with results that eclipse every other camera from all other manufacturers. However, with so much resolution on tap, the question is, which lenses should you use to make the best of what you’ve got? The DxOMark labs have tested 61 different lenses on the D800 to bring you an unparalleled resource of which lenses are best and which should be avoided. To make it easy to follow, we have broken the reviews down into sections so you can concentrate on the lenses that are important to you. This first section will give you an overview of the D800. We will follow this with a review of the standard focal length lenses, then the telephoto lenses and super-zooms and finally there will be a wide-angle review.

Comments

Lenses to Test

Hello,

I know it would be difficult, but is there any chance you guys can get your hands on the older Minolta glass? It is much more integral for the Sony mount since the Minolta mount is still very much a part of our system. So if you ever get your hands on the following lenses (I am a bit biased as a wildlife photographer), can you please test them as many alpha shooters still use them.

still no tests for many lens

Any news regarding the tests of broader range of high-end lens for Alpha system? The Sony 50/1.4 ZA SSM was supposed to be tested in the summer and it's still not there. People often ask for testing Sony 135/1.8 ZA or 24/2.0 too, are there any plans for them? And the new 70-200/2.8G SSM II? These are probably the lens the professionals are most interested in.

test lens

numbers don't talk to me that much... but this is not the point here. However i think the prime lens ranking is going to be bothered when you will review the 135f1.8 sony zeiss. and... the 50f1.4 sony zeiss planar! just purchased it, It's my 4th 50mm among every brands and this is stellar, contrasty as f*** straight from widest aperture. SSM crazy fast and accurate, way above all others CaNikon. Not flawless (distortion, CA f1.4), but almost, it's a must have and indirectly a must test. you must do it!

Sony 300/2.8 SSM scores much too low...

Hi,from my rather long experience with the predecessor, the still "current" 300/2.8 SSSM, there has to be a mistake in the testing of the new Sony lens - it will not be worse than the old version (or will it?). And the current 300/2.8 SSM is at least on par with the Zeiss 85/1.4 AF or the 135/1.8 AF which I use, and A LOT (and I mean: A LOT!) sharper than the Sony 35/1.4, for example - it is one of or even the best lens in the Sony system (for an impression, just look at Sony´s MTF charts).Almost everybody in the Sony forums who has access to that lens says the same... - so could there have been a mistake?A focus problem or a "faulty" lens, for example?

I would LOVE to see a retest with a second item - Sony company should be interested in putting the result right and proving the 300/2.8 SSM to be the "stellar" lens it is... - the current version is indeed!Thank you,Ruediger

First replies for this comment

Re: Sony 300/2.8 SSM scores much too low...

Hello!

Thanks for your interest in DxOMark.

Sony lenses we analyzed were provided by Sony itself. About your remark on the 35mm f/1.4, DxOMark results confirm what you noticed (please check the comparison here Sony 300mm vs 35mm f/1.4).If you only look at the Sharpness score, the 300mm is far higher rated than the 35mm f/1.4. However the DxOMark score is performed in lowlight condition. In such illumination, the larger aperture of the Sony 35mm f/1.4 enables a lower noise on the SLT A99 sensor. That means that you will finally get a similar IQ on both couples: on one side (300mm), you have a sharp image but with an higher level of noise, on the other side, the image is softer but without noise.

Re: Zeiss 50mm f1.4 ZA SSM Test ?

Zeiss Manual focus lenses

I use Zeiss manual focus lenses on my A99 and the results are amazing.Basically I purchased Nikon mount ZF.1 lenses and easily changed the mounts with Leitax mounts, now I have the best of both worlds, class leading glass, fantastic EVF with focus peaking. I did a comparison of the Excellent Sony 24/2 lens and Zeiss 25/2.8, I preferred the look of the Zeiss 25.

PLEASE test the Carl Zeiss 135mm f1.8!

I really wish you guys would do some test with this lens... A lot of us a-mount shooters feel that it could possibly be the best a-mount (prime) lens... and even the best 135mm prime on the market. I would love to see how it does (in terms of scoring)

A99 and D600

Hi I have a quick question. Does the d600 has built-in body image stabilization when shooting video? I am getting either the d600 or the a99 primarily to shoot field video for documentaries, then the body image stabilization is very important to me, but it disappoints me the price and the loss of light that the a99 has, any one knows if the d600 has any type of body image stabilization when shooting video? thanks in advance!

First replies for this comment

Re: A99 and D600

The Sony a99 has in-body stabilization whereas the Nikon d600 does not. Nikon does not provide image stabilization in any of its camera bodies, while Sony does use image stabilization in every SLT camera body. Hope that helps!

First replies for this comment

Re: Sony A99

To avoid embarrassing yourself, at least try to get your facts right? Where did you find the ridiculous 50-60% figure?

The light loss is a rather negligible 1/3 *stop* loss of light only, a difference most people can't even tell with their naked eyes.

However, camera shake and mirror vibration is completely conspicuous to the naked eye. There is in-body image stabilisation of up to 4.5 stops with ANY LENS and the total elimination of mirror vibration shake at ANY SHUTTER SPEED. Whereas you wouldn't shoot handheld at 1/8th or 1/15th of a second previously, it'll end up being your favourite range of low light setting on a mirrorless setup (ask the NEX & m4/3 users who similarly do not have mirror limitations).